Lit a candle in memory of Zbigniew Wierzel

Not a day will go by that I will not miss you.

We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Zbyszek. Please accept our sincere condolences. Family from Poland Krystyna, Marian, Kamil, Artur Fogiel Agnieszka Kozuch (Cis)

I first met Zig when he reported to DLI. Finally, a fellow Marine that spoke Polish. We had a lot of fun over the next several months. You are missed my friend. Marek S. USMC / 0251

Although we only met Zig a few times in Germany, we know he was a wonderful co-worker and great friend to our son, Blake. Our sympathy to Kim and children. Mary & Lloyd Ward

The Burgess family would like to express our deepest sympathy. We formed a family friendship through our sons. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and the kids. Zig will be dearly missed.

I didn't know Zbyszek the Marine. I knew Zbyszek the mystical man who flew in and out of our lives every few years and had an awesome crew cut that I had to touch. He would tease me that I spent hours just playing with the hairs on the back of his head. Whenever he told that story he said, "You would make me sit for hours." He did teach me a few things back then, like never let him show you something and when he asked for your hand, don't give it to him. You were either going to get an Indian burn or taught some form of torture that he learned. Zbyszek and I are first cousins and unfortunately we did not grow up very close as he is the oldest of the 6 of us and I am the youngest. He was walking down the aisle to get married and I was in diapers as there is a huge gap between us. When he would ask when I was getting married and having children, I would respond with I'll walk down the aisle when you wear diapers. We would have a laugh and he would say "Who says I'm not? I am an old man after all." But he certainly was not an old man. His heart was that of a 20 year old ready for his next adventure. And it didn't matter what the adventure was. I am a huge NASCAR fan and wanted to go to a race in Charlotte. He was like, not a problem. Let's make a weekend out of it. We'll go camping what do you want me to cook? What about drinks? That was him. He had the entire weekend's menu planned before I even purchased the tickets. Even though he wasn't a fan at all, he still had a smile on his face, made friends with everyone around us, and never complained about me dragging him around the whole track. He had a heart of gold and a memory of any computer. I swear this man must have either owned Hallmark or was a partner in the company because without fail, for every birthday, holiday, or special event there was a card in your mailbox. And his texting. Zbyszek would text me at the crack of dawn to ask "how's the weather?" "did you make it thru the storm?"

It is hard to put into words the grief felt by Ellen and myself. We had just renewed our friendship when he was taken from us. Too many memories of the old days and Old Corps spring to mind. All I hear in my head is an old Polish song. We sang it more than once... Sto lat, sto lat, Niech zyje, zyje nam. Sto lat, sto lat, Niech zyje, zyje nam, Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz, Niech zyje, zyje nam, Niech zyje nam!

Leave it to Zig to bring everyone together yet again. As stated at the memorial, "he was our glue." Semper Fidelis and God Speed.

We all, us retired Marines who serve with Ziggy, will sorely miss his presence. Rest in peace my friend, GOD has blessed us with having you in our lives.

Sent a gift in memory of Zbigniew Wierzel

I first met Zig at Camp Lejuene. Here was this huge Marine with a heavy accent, his huge hand swallowed mine. Looking him in the eyes you could see the steel of a warrior. Then that smile. Quiet, reserved, a step ahead. When he spoke there was purpose in his words. A leader and mentor to his men. This man I know and this man I do not forget. No words can ever comfort the loss your family feels at this time. My prayers are with you. I know a lot of us feel the loss. What can never be taken from you or us is the great memories we have. Those are locked in our minds and soul. Therefore a lot who have gone before us live through us. Those memories to be passed and thus he lives. Rest in Peace brother Zig. Semper Fidelis. Billy Kerr USMC, CWO2 (ret)

Requiescat in Pacem Zbyszek.

RIP Zig... Although we only knew you for a short while, it was easy to see the love you had for life and your family. Phil and Susanne Oltz

Kim & Family, Words cannot express my sorrow at your loss. His name comes up often in my circle of Marine friends and I use his real estate prowess while he was in the Corps as an example of hard-working success. It's been 22 years next month since we met while preparing for a deployment to Norway. As mentioned by Tanya in another post, I cannot think of Zig without chuckling and most often it is him coming into my office around 5:30 each morning at Lejeune on his way to the bathroom after he had just woken up from his weekday "hooch" in the back. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Neal & Kate Duckworth

Lit a candle in memory of Zbigniew Wierzel

I am thankful to have been in his wide circle of friends. I am thankful for his generosity of heart and spirit that seemed to be inexhaustible. So many vivid memories of Zig, it is hard to believe he is gone. Lord, he could make you laugh and I admired him greatly in so many respects: as a family man, Marine, humorist...as a human being. God bless him.

You will be missed. I met Zig when we were living in the Teamhouse in Lejeune and would watch TV in the conference room after hours. I am a better person for having know you. Semper Fi and Rest in Peace.

Thanks, Zig, for saving my ass several times. You cared for your Marines. You made a difference.

It's been more than 20 years since I last served with Zig. I will miss his smile, sense of humor, and spirited wisdom. My heart goes out to his family. You will all remain in my prayers. -Mitch Arterberry USMC / 0251

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-06-22/news/9506210256_1_marines-choppers-captain-o-grady

Even though I'm still shocked and devastated by the terrible news, I smile because I remember those numerous weekend parties and how much fun our families had together! Zig had an amazing ability to cheer people up with his jokes and incredible sense of humor even if you had the worst day ever. Overtime, I just learned not to take anything seriously he said because in the end I just laughed hard all the time. And you don't meet people like that very often. We were so fortunate to spend these last 5 years as his friends and neighbors and enjoy every minute of his company as there was never a dull moment in our gatherings. His laughter, wisdom, amazing hospitality, culinary talent and bartender skills will be greatly missed! We love you, Zig!

Kim, My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss. Marcia Sorensen

Always getting us in trouble, you were.... >;-) I think one of the "legends" Zig most liked to tell was of The Christmas Tie. He walked into our Stuttgart basement office one December with a very Christmas-y looking tie, and announced that "it plays music!" I looked at him skeptically, and he said, "C'mon, try it out!" The conversation that ensued went something like, Me: How does it work? Zig: You have to press it. Me: (pressing tie, no music) It's not working. Zig: Squeeze harder. Me: (no music) I think it's broken. Zig: Try pressing a little higher up. And faster. Zig: Squeeze it! Zig: Press it again! Do it harder! and so on. It was just about then that our boss, Joe St. Louis, apprehensively popped his head around the door, eyebrows raised, wondering just WHAT the hell was going on in there. We had a lot of explaining to do, made harder by our fits of giggles. Just one of MANY stories and pranks that always ensued whenever that crazy Marine was around. Thank you for making my five years in Stuttgart the best assignment I ever had. We miss you now, Zig, and always will.

Rest in peace Zig. You will be sorely missed. You made a lasting impression on all of us and always showed us the right way to do things. You made a huge difference. Jerry Rawlins

My Dear Friend, I remember the first time we met, it was April 1990 and you were checking into ITP at Camp Lejeune. You always had a smile and a competitive spirit and nothing ever seemed to phase you as we went through the rite of passage in becoming 0251's. I will never forget the OJT cookout at your home, it was one of many great memories. I also remember your competitive spirit with sports - I was never able to beat you at tennis or racquetball but I enjoyed playing tennis and racquetball with you. May God bless you above and watch over your family who have been left behind. Peter Gowen USMC Retired

Thanks you Mr. Ellison. I tried finding you on FB because I gave credit to you for this link. He shared this story many times and i never saw this article.

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What a loss! We are best friends with Johnson family and our visits with your family left a lasting impression on our family. Zig and Ty as bartenders and both the standup comedians keeping us all in stitches. Great times, but heavy hearts now! Big hugs to all - The Schwartz Family, Newark, DE

Kim, My deepest sympathy at the loss of Zig. Although I only knew him briefly, you and Zig were extremely kind to me in a very difficult time in my life. That kindness meant more to me than you can know. The loss of his light brings a heavy heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and in my heart. -Jessica Heironimus

A MARINE's MARINE! Always had time to listen, advise and encourage. No matter what... his glass was always half full! Semper Fidelis Steve Ellison

6 files added to the tribute wall

From the moment we met Zig, he made us feel like old friends. His infectious laugh easily caught you up in his inside jokes. Zig gushed over his family and he was bigger than life in all ways. Even without knowing his military history, you instantly knew he was a hero of many, and one of our personal favorites. There are few who leave an imprint in your life like Zig and his family has with us. We share in your heartbreaking loss; know he will always be in our hearts. Find peace, friends. Big love, Mary & Jim